Plakooraph co



P. A. TOOMEY. MACHINE FowcAsmG STEREUTYPE Pamms PLATES.

APPLlCATION FILED )UNE 25, [91?.

Patented July 8, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET P. A. TMEY.

MAcHmE Fon cAsmc seneorvpf Pmmms PLATES.

PPUCTION FILED IUNE 25| 19|?. 1,309,309. Patented July 8, 1919.

5 SHEETS-'SHEET 2` 4 2 5 M f -u I x N 'fnl COLUMBIA PLANDURAPH co., Wmo". u. C.

P. A. TUOMEY.

MACHINE FOR CASTING STEHEOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED IuNE 25.19I1.

1 ,309,309. Patented July 8, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

P. A. TOOMEY. MACHINE IfoTIr CASTING sTEREoTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

PPLICTIQN LED JUNE 25| QIT4 1,309,309.`- Patented July 8, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

P. A. TUUMEY. MACHINE FOR CASTING snm-:wwf PmNnN PLMES. APPLICATION FILED JUNEZ. I9IT.

Patented July 8, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

UNiTED STATES PATENT oEEIoE.

PATRICK A. TOOMEY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

MACHINE FOR CASTING STEREOTYPE PRINTING-PLATES.

Application filed June 25, 1917.

To NZZ wim/M il. may concern.'

Be it known that l, Pa'rmou A. Toonnr, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of (look and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Vlinprovernents in hlachines for (lasting Stored type Printing-Plates, of which the follmving is a specification.

rThis invention relates to an apparatus or machine for casting type high stereotype ]ninting plates from a matrix or mat.

Among the objects of my invention is to improve the construction of a casting machine of the type referred to, in the several particulars as will hereinafter more fully appear, and to provide in particular improvements in the casting or mold box of such an apparatus, so that type-high printing plates of various widths and lengths may be readily cast, ready for use without undergoing the usual trimming operations, except sawing olf the ends where the metal is poured.

A further object of my invention is to arr range the melting pot above the casting box, so that the molten Stereotype metal may be allowed to How into the mold cavity by gravity, and thus avoid the necessity of using a dippcr, or raising and tilting a melt- 'ingr pot.

Another ob'ect of my invention is to provide a manually operable valve member for controlling the gravity How from said melting pot, and further to so arrange and construct the valve member that the latter may be rotated or turned against its seat for the purpose of grinding or removing therefrom any particles of foreign matter, which if allowed to remain lodged on the valve seat would hinder the valve member from tightly and properly closing against its seat.

A further object of my invention is to provide the frame, employed for clamping the matrix or mat in the mold cavity, with means serving to compensate for the shrinkage of the metal around the edge of the printing plate being cast and thereby prevent the type characters immediately adjacent such edges from being entirely eliminated or being distorted or warped by such shrinkage.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for cutting oii a greater portion of the poured end V-of the metal during the Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 8, 1919.

Serial No. 176,650.

casting of the printing plate, so that when the latter has solidified and been removed from the mold box, the poured end of the plate will be partly severed, thus making it necessary to saw or cut through but a small amount of said poured end.

And another object of my invention is to provide a core carrying plate having deY tachable connection with one of the mold members, so that either a solid or cored type-high printing plate may he casi to meel the conditions required; a solid plate for one having a bastard measure, and a cord plate for one having a standard newspaper or like measure.

The invention consists further in the inatters hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a casting machine or apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention, the two-part mold or casting box thereof being shown in its fully opened position;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view, with somo parts broken away and some in section` of the ma chine as shown in Fig. 1, with the exception that the matrix clamping frame is shown in lowered position resting on the flat bed of the movable mold member;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the parts illustrated in Fig. 1, with the exception that the two-part mold box is shown in its fully closed position, and the cut ofi" slug and its attached rod are shown in the position they would occupy when in use;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a detail of construction and taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 2; the mold box, however, being shown in closed position;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken through the melting pot and showing the discharge valve structure thereof;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a detail of construction and taken on line 7 7 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a type-high stereotype printing plate cast by my machine, and showing the cut off slug and its attached rod before being withdrawn from the metal of the plate;

lll

Fig. 9 ie a persper'tive view oi the Asaine parte, and showing the rod referred to withdrawn from the i-netal of the plate;

Fig. 10 is a perspective View nl' lhe same parte', and showing both the slug and rod removed from the metal plate;

Fig. ll is :in enlarged sectional view taken on line 11"11 ol- Fig. 3 :ind Showing how the metal ot' the printing plate being east lille the inset or groove in one ol the Clamp ing bare?, when the matrix or milt being need in devoid of a bolster;

Figs.12 and 13 are like views, showing how the metal of |the plate being east lille the mold cavity adjacent the clampingr bnr. when the mat or matrix being uned is pro vided with a bolster extendingr into the inset or groove of Said bar;

Fig. 14 iS a perspeetive view ol' the (-ore plate removed from the mold box ol in v machine;

FiA lr'i is a front elevational view ehmv ing the mold box lullv open and illiwlraling the roi-opiate applied againel the lronf fare of' the elationarv mold member:

Fig. 1U ie an enlarged horizontal wrtional view. falten on line 1(i1(}ol'l `ig. lo; :nid

Fig. 1T is an enlarged verl'iral `.ertional view taken on line 1717 of Fig. 15.

Referring to the drawingsr` illuetrating in detail one preferred Jform of tvpe-plale easting machine embodying the iezituree of nrv invention. 20 indiratee` the two-part mold or casting box thereof. and. ae `ehoivn. -eafid Casting box comprises a Stationary mold member .21 and u movable mold member QQ. the latter being swung' toward :i nl from the stationary mold member in the opening and closing ol- `aid mold box. Then the Casting box 2U i eloeed. :in` labown in Fig the two mold members 21. 2L) are Clauiped together by Clamping inemberef E23, Bil. to be hereinafter more full)v deaeribed. Said east ing box 2O is provided with a mouth opening into the mold cavity formed between the mold l'nembersl 21. QQ when the Casting box ie closed and into Whifh Cavity the molten stereotype metal is poured in the casting of a` type-high printing plate from a matrix or mat previously inserted in said cavity. As Shown, the Startionar)v mold member 21 is mounted in an upright or vertical position on a supporting base or'stand 24 and secured thereto by elanip lbolts Q5. The .et-and 24 is preferably iii-.1de in the form shown and extends forward of the stat-ion arv mold member, so as to provide a rest or support for the movable member when the latter ie swung downward into full)7 open position (Fig. 1). Said movable m'old member QQ is pivoted or hinged at ils inner or lower margin to Said stand 24 by pivot pins/26. 26. so that said movable mold member may be raised and lowered in the open ing and closing of the casting box. In Figs.

l and 2, the eaeting box 20 is; ehown open, that is, the movable mold member 22 has been swung down into its lowerniost or horizontal poeition and ieele` on Ille Meinl. 'l`n close the easling box. the movable member ie raised or swung upward against the ala tionarv mold member mul rlrimpeil thereto by the clamping men'lberi.` 215. zf. 'l'he lwo mold members ill. 22 are preferably rertanguiar in lbape and are mmle lli@A :anne eine. The oppoeed trices of lmid mold member` a re made smooth and llal` and l'orm the l'rnnt and rear walls ol' the mold eavitv when thil casting box is eloeed. Farb oil Said mohl members 21, is Htrengthened by longitudinal wehe 27 and tranererse webey "i8, made integral with the rear or exterior tare there ol. as Shown in Figs. 1. i, Il. :unl l.

lnterpoeed between nifl iin-nullen il, 22 is :ln open. rerlnngular elampinn` frame QU, rompiieing-j rnnnerleil `idrA baril lll. l :unl nml bareV :ELK l. im le l ulmrn il, lll-gs. l :unl L. rthe hhbmw` ill. ll exlenfl Hlm along em'h side ol' the eroding box :unl between lln,I Iwo Inobl lnrinlmre` il. L?! lnfre of. when eloeed together. Tbl* inner einb nll the side bare 'll, lill are :nl iznenl the inner or pivoted end olI the movable mold member The end bai' 1;2 extende :wrong the inner l'lat fare of the movable mold member 22. and iS eoi'n'ieeted with said eide bar` zn'ljarenl the inner ende` thereof. Said frame Si is pivoted or hinged al, ils inner end to the hinged end of the movable mold member. so that the traine may be wrung upward 'from Hnrh mold member. when the hitler is vin its ln'irizontal or open position. The outer or free ende` ot' the Side bar-1 lfl. Ill project beyond the outer edge ol' llaA movable nmlfl member. and thiolher end bnr :lil extende` between and is eerurerl to .web porliom; of said side bare?, thereb)V enabling Amid end bar 33 to extend across the mmable mold member beyond the outer end thereof, and. furthermore, permit the remaining three bars of the frame to eoiitnet fiatwise throughout their lengths against the opposed flat faces of said mold members. ne Shown in the drawings, the frame 29 is hinged to the movable mold member 2Q in the following manner. The inner end bar 32 is spaced inwardly from the hinged edge of said movable mold member to provide a` space into which project luge` l-l. 34. made integral with .said movable mold member (Figs. 1 and 2). The Side bar` 30, 3l are pivoted to said lugs by a rod 37|. The barel 30. 31, and 32 are square in cross-section and all of the Same height, and are elamped between the mold members 21. when the casting box is closed, as shown in Figs. 5% and 4. Moreover. when the fasting box ie Closed.y Said bars 30.y 31, and 32 l'orm the Ieide and bottom Walls of the mold cavity. The outer bar 33 is Secured to the under side of lllUlll Vill ll b

lllll lill the side bars, so as to be out of endwise ali ncment therewith and provide a mouth or opening into the mold cavity along the entire upper edge thereof. Said outer bar 3:5 is provided between its ends .with an elongated slot 36, the purpose of which will prosr-ntlv appear.

'l xe movable mold member 22 is provided at its forward end with a pair of handles 37, 37, adapted to be grasped in the raising and lowering of said mold member. 'l`he stand 24 is provided at each side thereof With a portion 38 extending rearward of the stationary mold member 21. Said parts 38 also extend upward along each side of said slia l'ionary member, and are Secured thereto by said bolts 25. Arranged above the casting box 20 is a melting pot 39, of the gravity feed type, and provided with a dis ha1ge spout 40, the lower end or' which terminates jusl` below the upper edge of the mouth of the mold cavity formed between the mold chambers when the latter are clamped together. Said spout 40 is provided with a vertical discharge passage 4l, the upper end ol" which opens into the bottom of the pot 81) through a discharge port 42 (F ig. 6). Said port 42 is opened and closed by a vertically movable valve member 43, the latter being in the form of a rod, which extends above the top of said pot through a plug 44 closing the upper end of the chamber 45, in which the valve member is located. For raising and lowering said valve member 43, I provide a handle 46, which, as shown, is in the form` of a lever arranged above the melting pot. Said handle 46 is pivoted at one end by a pivot pin 47 to a standard 48, rigidly secured to the side wall of the melting pot and extending upwardly above the same. The valve rod 43 extends upward and loosely through the handle 46, and is provided above the same with a hand piece 49, whereby the valve member 43 may be turned or rotated for grinding its conical end against its seatq for the purpose of removing any foreign particles `that would obstruct the proper closing of the valve member on its seat. The valve member 43 is provided, on each side of the handle 46, with a iiXed stop-member or Washer 50, thereby enabling the valve member to be raised and lowered by said handle. The stereotype metal, from which the type plates are cast, is placed, in solid form, in the meltin pot 39, the valve member 43 at such time eing in closed position. Said solid metal is then converted into a molten mass by heat applied beneath the bottom of the pot. Any suitable form of heatin means may be employed for such purpose, ut in Fig. 3 I have shown a conventional form of gas or oil burner 51, located beneath the bottom of the pot. To maintain the heat around the side Walls of the pot during the melting of the stereotype metal therein, I surround the side walls ol' the pot with a heat-retaining sheet metal casing or housing 52, the upper end of which is closed by a lop wall, as shown in Figs. 3 and (i.

Each clamp member has the hoole shaped lornl shown in lhe d rawings, and has one end located above a lug 53 projectingl rearwardly Vfrom lln` sido wall of the slutionary mold member 2l, as best shown in Fig. 3. Such ond oll the' elmnp member is pivoted to its associated lng by a vertically arranged pivot pin 5i. The Forward or l'reo ond portion 5a? ("lligs. and of the clamp is arranged at right :angles: to the body el' the same, and, when the clamp is swung into a position extending around lhe sides ol' lho closed mold memlwrs 2l, 22. said portion [bfi extends around, hut is spaced oulnxmlly Vfrom the bach or exterim 'lare ol' thi` m aldo mold member 122. clamp screw iii is threaded through lhe end portion (i5. `:nel has its inner end forced against the lunli ol4 the movable mold nnunber in clamping' the two parts of the ating box iopjetlwr. `shown iu Figs. l und 23, there :or u pluralnj.w of such clamping` n'lombeis .123 vertically ur 'ringed at each .side of the casting bon` :ind all are pivotally connected, in the manner described, with the bach' olI the stationary mold member '21. The inner ends of the clamp screws 56 are liorced against that por tion of the back of Vthe movable mold mem ber formed at the junction of th-x side und cross webs 27, 28y The inner or pivoled end of each clamping numlier 23, when in clamping position, bears or abuts against the associate side web 2T, so that the pivot pin in relieved m the pressure exerted on the clamp `when the clamping screw 56 is Yferr-ed against the movable mold member.

With the clampingI frame 29, l. employ an adjustable clamping bar 57, which is ar ranged to extend substantially parallel with the side bars of 1the frame and endwise between the end bars thereof, as clearly shown in Figs. l and Said adjustable bar 57 has the same cross-sertional dimensions as each of the side bars 30, 3l of the framr-, and is therefore type-high in thickness. The inner end of said bar 57 is square. and :duits endivise against the end bar 32, and its outer end terminates short of the slotted bar 38, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Said adjustable` bar 57 is connected at its outer end with said slotted bar 33 by means permitting said bar 57, the set screws 58r` 62. :1nd 65 are first` erally and to be clamped in any of its positions of adjustment. Such means comprises a set screw 58, which is threaded into the forward end of said bar 57. and projects outward beyond and in endwise alinement with the same. Said set screw 58 is provided between its ends with two spaced but fixed collars 59, 59, between which is located the hond ll() ol a serewdhrended stem (il. tSee big'` Trl Said .stem lll is arranged at. right :ingles to said set screw 59, and projetts` downward through the slot` lt in said liar itil. :is rlearlv shown in Fig'. li. A milled thumb piet-e tri has` srrewthreaded connertion ith said stem (il. and is designed to be l'oreed against Ihr under side ol said slotted bai' Z'l'l. .\.t the inner end ol' and oonnootml willi the adjustable bar :3T is a rod titl, whieh extends laterali)y therei'roin toward and |oo.-:el \r through and bevond the side bar ill. Said rod (525 also extends outward through a bearing blot-.li (il seemed to said side bar A set screw (55 js employed l'or (-.hnnpin;l said rod in any position o'l' its longitudinal adjustment. The side bnr Slt), as well :is the end bar lft is provided along its` inner lower telglwith 1t rabibet. groove, or inset titl. and the adjustable bnr :5T is provided with :e lilo. groove or inert :dong that lower alge opposite llnA ri-woei" edge oll the side lintV lti, l Hee l*`in1;..l. l l` IL). and lil.)

Yl'lar e:i-iin;' maf-bine deseribed and `shown is operated zu iiollourf: 'libe inold box :Ztl rmi be inrtde 'ii' suoli dinlenrlions as to per mit the rustingat` `one operation oi' n onev piero type-high printing plate ot' a width and length Yl'or printingr a i'nll page of a dailv newspaper or the like. The. eastung boxitl is first opened and the movable inold itieniber 2;). swung downward into horizontal position on the supporting stand 2l. ln surh position of the parts` the Clamping i'raine 29 rests upon the flat bed oF the now open movable mold member. For restingr a printing plate ot' the l'ull dimensions of the mold box. the set sifrewi (if and tlf) are loosened` and the adjustable bar isnioved laterallv into position against the right hand side bar 3l. Said Set serews are then tightened to rlainp said bar 5T in such posi tion. but before said bar 5T is clamped against lateral movement, the set screw 58 is turned so as to effect the foi-ring of the inner squared end of said bar 57 tightlyv against the inner end bar and thus forms :i tight joint; between sueh parts, so as to prevent the molten metal, when poured into the inold Cavity,y from entering between such parts. The elamping frame 29 is then raised or swung upward above the flat bed of the movable member. and a paper matrix or mat, previously7 prepared and of a size for the printing plate to be east., is placed fiatwise upon the bed of the movable mold member, with the impressions ot' the type rharaeters or other outlines to be east faeing in the required direction. Said mat is so placed that its side and rear marginal portions will be in position to be engaged and overlapped by the side and rear bars 30, 3Q and the adjustable bar 57 when the Clamping Jframe is swung downward thereA against. ln some instances the mat (67 as shown in Figs. l2 and 13) is provided around thiI boundary ol' its rusting face with an upwardlv lmlged portion iornnng a bol `ster (Sti` adzifpted to be reeeiverl in the. inset or groove ttt' l'ormed in the elamping bars olE the trame 2li. lter the mat has been plm-ed on the bed oll the movable member and elnmped tbereagainst blv the rlainpingl'rnino lill. the movable mold member ZZ is raised or swung upward against the station :irhv Inold member.` ritruving the. mat and rlaniping l'ranie therewith. The two mold members are then elamped tightlyr together by the lamps Btl, im, whereupon the molten stereotype metal is allowed to flow trom the pot lll) into the mold rarity l'ormed between artid mold members. The molten metal is allowed to low until the mold rarity is lilled Aibou` the upper edge oll tbe mat. flhr barsr Slt! and .7T Vl'orni the `side walls oll the mold rarity, while the rear bnr il?! l'oi'nr` the bol lori wall thereol'` `find a. snrh lrirs nre type bigrb. the depth ol4 the mobi rrtiilla is lilitiii-iv` tvpefhigln time permitting n type high printing plate to be rust. Conreipientlv. the printing plate nhen ea t does not reipiire trimming to reliure its thielness or puddingplan-ed beneath the saine when set in the `press for printing. The holsters 68 of the mat being received in the grooves (iti ranse the side and rear edges of tlie printing plate east to be below the printing surface ot' the plate`r and further anse a straight edge to be formed` thus avoiding the necessiti' ol' trimming sut-h edges of the plate bet'ore` being plaeed on the press for printing. After the molten stereotype met al has soliditied in the mold elianiber.y the casting box .'o is opi-nedr` and the east printing plate removed The neXt step is to saw or ent oli the poured end ol the plate` and then the latter is ready fior insertion in the press. To east another printing plate from the saine matrixy or mat, the casting operation described above is repeated. Should it be desired to use a dilferent mat, but of the saine size as the previous one used, the latter is substituted in plare of the previous one and the method above described repeated.

To east a type-high printing yplate of a width and length of a standard newspaper eolnnin, or a `printing plate of a width of two Columns or more, but less than the full width of the mold box 20, or a printing plate having a basta rd measure, as for instance a plate being two columns and onehalf wide andof a length less than a standard column, l employ the adjustable Clamping bar 57 in the following manner.` After the casting box 2O is opened and the movable mold member swung downward into horizontal position against the supporting stand 24, the bar 57 is moved laterally toward the side bar`30 until positioned so as to engage the associated Htl Ein

l (lll l ll D llll side margin of the matrix or mat to be now used. To permit ot such adjustment of the bar 57, the set screws 58, 62. and 65 are first loosened. .In Figs. 2 and El. is shown a matrix or mat 69 having a bastard measure, that is, having substantially about one column and one-half in width and about one-half a column in length. When the mat 69 is applied beneath the clamping frame, one of the side margins of the mat is engaged by the side bar the rear margin of the mat is engaged by the rear bar 32, and the innermost side margin of the mat is engaged by the adjustable bar 57. Should the bar 57 need additional lateral adjustment so that its inset or roove 66 will properly receive the bolster o. the seat, in case the latter is pro vided with a bolster, such adjustment of said bar may be readily made by moving the bar laterally in the desired direction. After said bar 3T has been adjusted. the same is forced end wise against the rear bar 32 by the screw 58 and then clamped in its position of adjustment by the set screws 62 and 65. Then the movable mold member 22 is raised to close the mold box, and the two members thereof are clamped together by the clamps 23. The molten stereotype metal in the pot is then allowed to flow therefrom into the mold rarity and so effect the casting of a printing plate from said mat 69. As shown in said Figs. 1. 2, and 5, the adjustable bar 57 is provided adjacent its outer end with an orerilow passage 70, which, when the mold box is closed, establishes communication between the chambers on. each side of the adjustal'ile bar 57. Consequently, when the level of the molten metal poured into the chamber' containing the mat 69 reaches the passage 70, a continued pouring of such molten metal will canse an overflow thereof into the chamber on the opposite side of said bar 37. To prevent the overflow metal 'from surrounding and solidifying, when cold, about the adjustable rod (i3, I place in the chamber above the same a slug 7l. which. shown in Fig. 2. extends across the chamber between the bar 57 :ind the side bar 31. Said slug 71 is made of a material to which the stereotype metal will not adhere, and I provide several oic such slugs 71. each being of a length to extend between the bars for every .uljustinent of the har 57. It is to be of course understoml that the slug 71 is placed in position hei'ore the mold box is closed. The pot 39 is lorated at the side of the rasting box 2O adjacent the side bar 30, so that the pot may discharge its molten metal into the mold cavity regardless of how narrow it may be formed by the adustment of the bar 57. .litter a printing plate has been cast from the mat 69, the casting box 20 opened and the casting printing plate removed, whereupon the poured end or tail of the metal above the upper edge o1. the wat is' sawed or out oil. When it is desired to cast :i printing plate of dimensions less or greater than defined by the mat 69. another mat of the required size is placed in the mold box, the clamping bar 57 adjusted in accordance therewith, and the operations described above repeated.

The height of the casting box is such that there is a blank portion of metal on the printing plate between the top of the mat used and the upper edge of the casting box. It is necessary to saw or cut olf such portion of metal before the printing plate is ready for use. In other Words, the poured or tail end et the east printing plate must be rut or sawed off, as is apparent. This is true whether the cast printing plate has the full dimensions of the casting box or of a size defined by the mat 69, as shown in Figs. 2 and 2?. To eliminate as much of such sawing as i possible, and require the cutting oit' of only a minimum amount of metal at the poured end of the printing plate, I employ the following means. As shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 7, I extend into the mold chamber in which the mat 69 is located, a rod 72, having at its inner end a Hat slug 73 made of brass or other suitable material to which the stereotype metal will not adhere. Said rod 72 extends through a sleeve 74, and is clamped therein by a set screw 75. Said sleeve is provided with a hook 76 adapted to engage over the slotted bar 33, for the purpose of attacliing` said rod 72 to said Slotted bar. Said slug 73 has detachable connection with the associated end of said rod 72,y and, as shown in Fig. 7. such connection comprises a split stud 77 on the end of the rod, adapted to extend into and engage a hole or aperture 78 in said slug. By such means, the rod 72 may be readily withdrawn from said slug 73. Any other suitable form of connection may be provided in order to accomplish the purposes desired. With respect to the parts just referred to, I will describe their use in connection with the matrix or mat 69. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the slug 73 is Hat and relatively narrow, that is, it has a Width or height slightly less than the distance between the mat and the opposed Hat face of the stationary mold member 22. as shown in Figs. 3 and 7. Said slug 7 3 has a length so as to extend from the adjustable bar 57 to a point terminatin short of the side bar 30, thus leaving sufiiclent spare between the end of the slug and side bar 3() to permit the molten stereotype metal to be poured into the portion of the mold chamber occupied by the mat 69. While the casting box 20 is open and the movable mold member 22 is down, the rod 72 is placed so that the slug 73 at its inner end rests upright with its now lower longitudinal margin on the upper ed oi' the mat 69 alon the outer edge of t e eels-ter thereof, an v with one side' edge of said slug bearing endwise against the adjacent side. face ot the adjustable clamping bar 57. The sleeve 74 is adjusted endwise of said rod 72 until its hook 76 engages over the outer edge of the slotted bar 33, Whereupon the sleeve is clamped tothe bar 7 2 by the set screw The i'i'iold'box 20 is then closed and the molten metal po-ured to effect the casting of a rinting plate from the mat iu the mold e ianiber. The pouring ot the molten metal is continued, as hereinbefore desrribed, and such metal Hows around the slug 73 and its bar 72, as clearly shown in Fig; 8. In said figure, I have shown a printing plate T9 cast from said mat 69, and it willfbe noted that the poured end or tai-l of the nietal extends about the bar T2. and above theslug 73. In said Fig. Si I have shown, for the sake of clearness of illustration, said printing plate 79 removed from the mold box 20, but in practice said printing plate at sueh time is still hot and soft and in the mold box. While still in the closed mold box and before said late 79 becomes chilled and solidified su ciently to permit its removal from said mold box, the rod 7'2 is withdrawn from the box, leaving the slug-7? in the plate7 as shown in Fig. 10. After said rod 72 has been Withdrawn, and the printing plate 79 cast has chilled and become solidified. the mold box is opened and the plate removed, whereupon the slug 7B is removed, leaving a slot 81 in said plate. Said slot 81 extends partiell across the plate 79 from one side thereog. and opens upwardly throughout its length through the printing face thereof. This is due to the fart that the slug 73 bears edgei ivise against the operative face of the mat, as shown in Figs. 3 and 7. As the opposite edge of the slug terminates short of the flat face of the stationary mold member 22, as shown in said figures, there is a portion of metal between the bottom wall ot' the slot Si and the back ot the printing plate, as shown in Figs. 8 to 10. After the slug 73 has been removed from the plate 79, the poured end or tail 80 thereof is struck a. blow suliieient to effect the cracking of the plate along the bottoni of the slotv Sl. As shown in Fig. lll, such line of severance S2 extends the tull length o'l said slot Si. Then Athe portion ol" the plate 79 between the closed end of the slot S1 and the adjacent side edge ol the plate is sawed or cut substantially along thel dotted line 83, as shown in Fig. 10. Then the part ol the plate 79 containing the type characters is ready for use in a press. By the means described` it is apparent that f it becomes necessary to saw or cut oft' but a minimum amount of the poured end or tail of a printing plate. In case the printing plate to be cast has a Width less or greater than the one referredV to, the slug 73 used will of course hare a length accordingly.

ihen the matrix or mat is provided with bolsters G8, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, said holsters project into the associated grooves or insets 6G in the bars of the clamping traine 29. As illustrated in Fig. 1Q, the bolster 68 is ot such Width as to completely till the groove GG and, in addition, project laterally slightly beyond the saine, while, in Fig. 13, I have shown a bolster G8 ot such width failing to completely lill the groove 66, whereas, in Fig. l1, I have shown a mat Se ofV the type devoid ol a bolster. When the molten stereotype metal is poured into the mold chamber against a mat provided With a Vbolster 68, the latter prevents the marginal portion of the metal immediately surrounding the printing tace otl the plate being cast from contacting With the colder metal clamping bars 30, 32, and 57. Thus. such portion of the metal printing plate being; in Contact with paper or like material ot which the mat is made will not in chilling and solidifying shrink or contract to such an: extent as to cause the distortion or complete elimination of those type characters being east along the outer boundary of the printing face` as would happen in case the colder clamping bars were devoid ofl" the grooves GG and had their edges in direct contact with the mat about such marginal portion-i. Then again. said holsters cause the edges of the printing plate surrounding the printing surface to be lower than the same, and thus prevent tht` necessity of beveling or trimming the saine before the cast plate is ready Jfor use in a press. In case the mat is devoid of bolsters. as shown in Fig. 1l, the molten metal tlovfs into and fills the insets or grooves 66, thus again compensating for the shrinkage of the nietal and preventing a distortion or complete elimination of the marginal type characters above referred to.

Then casting a printing plate having the full dimensions of the mold box 20. it is advisable to core the back of the saine, so as to eliminate as much metal as possible and further eii'ect a reduction of the total weight ot' the plate when cast. To aecompilish thisY purpose, Ieniploy a core plate 85, as shown in Figs. Il to 17. Said core plate S5 is made ofa relatively thin. fiat sheet ot' brassor any other suitable metal and of such dimensions as to substantially cover the flat front face of the stationary mold member 2l when placed flatwise against the saine. Said core plate 85 is suspended from the upper edge of said stationary mold member 2l by means of hooks 86. 96. the latter being secured to the upper edge of said plate. (ln the front face of Asaid plate S5. I place a plurality of outwardly projecting core pieces 87. Q7. the latter being secured to said plate by a plurality of fastening screws 8S, inserted through the back of the lll) plate into said eore pieces. The heads of said screws are flush With the haelt ot the eore plate, so that the latter will bear Hat wise through its length and Width against the Vfront flat face of the stationary mold member. Said Core pieces 87 are vertieally arranged and are laterally spared apart and have the cross-sectional .shape as best shown in Fig. 1G, so as to readilsI pull ont ot' the printing plate when east. Eaeh core pieee 87 is provided along its length with a pluraliti of transversely extending kerfs or slots S9, 89, which permit the formation of strengthening Webs being formed on the baek of the east printingr plate and extending across the cored portions thereof. Said eore plate is clamped against the Front tace ofi the stationary mold member 21 by the bars of the Clamping trame and the rore pieees 87 are made ol such width and spared laterally apart to sueh an eX- t'ent as not to hinder the Clamping bar 57 being adjusted laterally tor easting printing plates haring standard newspaper measures. sueh as one. tivo. three. or more columns Wide. The thickness of the Core plate S5 is such. and the hinge connection of the movable mold member 22l has suiiieient play as to enable a type-high printing plate to be east, with or Without said eore plate. lVhen casting a 'printing plate having a bastard measure, vsuch as one-hahc a column or two columns and a half Wide, the eore plate 85 is not used. Cuts of pictures.y cartoons. special sized advertising spacesr` and special features.` such as comic strips. are. as a general rule. of a bastard measure. W'ith the mat 69. the core plate rould not be used.

M v machine is particularly designed for use by printers ot rural newspapers and the like. The inatriees or mats are supplied from a Common mat-making and news-furnishing source. The matrices are light in weight and easili7 handled.` and the transportation eost from the maker to the user is reduced to the minimum.r` When compared with a service where the printing plates themselves are sent from the maker to the user. lV ith my machine, the stereotype metal used one dav tor a job is melted over for the job the next day. Furthermore, the maehine having means permitting the easting ot type-high printing plates of various lengths and Widths.y the rural newspaper can print anything the big metropolitan dailies can. sueh as eartoons, features, pietures. and the special sized ads of the big metropolitan stores.

It is to be of course understood that the Casting machine or apparatus herein described and shown in detail may be variously modied and changed as to its details of construction. Without departing from the spirit and saope of my invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the exact details of construction and arrangement of parts shown, except as pointed out in the annexed claims.

l Claim :is in v invention:

l. device l'or wasting stereotype printing platea. romprisiug a. tasting box. embracing a pair ot mold members. one being` moved toward and from the other in the opening and nliising of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame pirotallyr secured to one of said mold members and adapted to hold a matrix o1' niat in said inold eliamber. said Yframe coniprisingtwo side bars, an inner end bar forming the bottom wall ot said mold eli-amber when the casting box is closed7 an atiljustable bar interposed betwren and arranged substantiall)v parallel to said side bars, and clamping means adapted to hold said adjustable bar in aniY position olE its lateral adjustment l'or permitting the rasting ot' printing plates` ot va rions widths` Q. A device tor casting stereotype print- ,ing plates. comprising a east ing box. enmraeingl a pair oi mold members. one being moi'ed toward and from the other in the opening and closing ot said Casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is Closed. a clamping frame pivotally seeured to one of said mold members and adapted to hold a matrix or mat in said mold chamber, said frame Comprising tiro side bars, an inner end bar, an outer end bar. an adjustable bar interposed between and arranged substantially parallel to said side bars and engaging said inner end bar. and means conneeting said adiustable bar with one of said side bars and the. outer end bar, lor enablingsaid adjustable bar to be adjusted laterally and thereby permit the easting ot printing plates of various widths.

3. A device tor casting stereotype printingr plates. comprising a Casting box. embracing a pair of mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and Closing ot said casting box; there being a. mold Chamber formed between said mold members .vhen the Casting box is closed. a rlainping frame pivotallir secured to one of said mold members and adapted to hold a matrix or mat in said mold chainber, said frame Comprising two side bars, an inner end bar. an outer end bar, the latter being provided with an elongated slot. an adjustable bar interposed between and arranged substantially parallel to said side bars and engaging said inner end bar. and a clamping member extending through said slot and connected With said adjustable bar for holding the latter in any position of its lateral adjustment.

4. A device for casting stereotype printtitl ing plates, eomprising' a easting box, embracing a pair ol mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening' and rlosiir;r ol -aid lasting box; there beingl a mold chamber Vi'ormed between .said mold members when the fasting box is eiosed` a riampinjnr trame liivotally seeured lo one olI said mold members and adapted lo hold a matrix or mat in said mold ehamlier. said Yi'rnnnl eomprisinn two side bars, :m inner end liar. an outer end bar, the latter being: provided with an elongated slot. an adju-table bar inlerliosed between and arranged substantiall)r parallel to said side har-` and hearilmr emlwise against said inner end bar. a Clamping` member extending' through said slot and connected with said adjustable har tor holdingthe latter in auxl position oiVA its` lateral adjustment. :md means :adapted lo moul .said adjustable har einin ise against said inner end bar.

.3. derivil'or :ie-linx iefreotvpe print ingr pluie-i. i minimi-zint" a raf-limi box` enlhrneY ingr :l paia' ik molli members. one beine" mined foward :imi from tine= other in the openingAV and losing ot said wasting' box; there being;` :i mold chandler formed between said mold members when the Casting box is elosed` a clampingT frame pivotalljY secured to one of said mold men'ibers and adapted to hold a matrix or mal in said mold chamber, said frame comprising two side bars, an inner end bar` an outer end bar, the latter being provided with an elongated slot, an adjustable bar interposed between and arranged substantially parallel to said side liars and hearing! endwise against said inner end har. a sel sei-ew engaged with said adjustable har and adapted to move the same endn'ise against `said inner end bar` and a elampingmember extending' through said -iloi and eonneeted with said set screw.

fi. A device for wasting stereotype printing plates, comprisingr a casting box, embracing a pair of mold members, one being mored toward and from the other in the openingl and ClosingT ot said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the eastin boX is Closed` and a clamping frame pivotay secured to one of said mold members and adapted to hold a matrixY or matin said mold. Chamber` said frame including two side bars, an inner end bar, an adjustable bar interposed between and arranged substantially parallel to said side bars and bearing endvvise against said inner end bar, means for moving said adjustable bar endwise against said inner end bar, and means for permitting said adjustable bar to be moved laterally for permitting the casting of printing plates of various Widths and holding said adjustable bar in any position of its endwise and lateral adjustments.

7. A device for casting stereotype printing plates` eomprising a casting' box. embraring a pair oi mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the o-peningand eiosingof said eastingrbox there` iii-,ing a mold elmmher l'ox'ined iietweon said mold members when the rusting box is eloseih and a clampingr Vtrame pirolnllv secured to one ol' said mold members` and adapted to hold a matrix or mat in said mold chamber, eaid frame comprising two side bars1 an in 'ier end bar` an outer end bar, the latter beingr provided with an elongated slot` an adjustable liar interposed between and arranged slibstantiali)Y parallel to said side hars and bearingr endxvise against said inner end bar, a clamping member ertemliner through said slot and eonnerted with said adjustable har tor holding the latter in any position oi its` lateral adiustment, a rod eolineeted with and extending laterallyY from -fiiid adjustable liar tliri'inn'h one oi said side hars. and fastening; ini-:nr- 'or Clamping said rod in an)y po iion o't it;V`- endwise adjustment.

i. deviee for Inviting stereotype printiner plaies. a supi'mrtingV stand, a tasting hox mounted on said stand, said casting box embraeing a pair of mold menibers, one beA ing stationaiy and arranged uprightA` and the other having hinged connection with said stand and adapted to be moved toward and from said stationary mold member in the opening and ClosingV of said casting box; there being' a mold Chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is elosed; the mouth of said mold Chamber being formed at the upper edge of said easting iiox a melting pot supported above said (wasting bo); and having a disellarge spout extending into the mouth of said mold ehanlber.y and a valve member mounted ou said meltingl pot and adapted to eontrol the How of molten metal from said pot into Said mold chamber.

9. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a supporting stand; a eastingbox mounted thereon and embracingr a sta tionaryY mold member and a movable mold member, said stationary mold member being arrangeffl upright-on said stand, and said movable mold member being hinged to said stand and adapted to be moved toward and from said stationary mold member in the opening and closingr of said casting box: there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members, when the east-ing` `bOX is closed; the mouth of said mold chamber being' at the upper edge of said casting boX, a meltingr pot secured to said stand and being arranged above the upper edge of said easting box` said pot being provided with a discharge spout extending into the mouth of said mold chamber` a verticallyT arranged valve member slidably supported in said pot and adapted to control the ew of molten metal from the latter into said mold chamber, and a handle for raising and lowering said valve member.

10. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a supporting stand, a casting box mounted thereon and embracing a stationary mold member and a movable mold member, said stationary mold member being arranged u right on said stand, and said movable mold member being hinged to said stand and adapted to be moved toward and from said stationary mold member in the opening and closing of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members, when the casting box is closed; the mouth of said mold chamber being at the upper edge of said casting box, a melting pot secured to said stand and being arranged above the upper edge of said casting box, said pot being provided with a discharge spout extending into the mouth of said mold chamber, a vertically arranged valve member slidably and rotatably supported in said pot and adapted to control the flow of molten metal from the latter into said mold chamber, and a handle for raising and lowering said valve member.

11. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a supporting stand, a casting box mounted thereon and embracing a stationary mold member and a movable mold member, said stationary mold member being arranged upright on said stand, and said movable mold member being hinged to said stand and adapted to be moved toward and from said stationary mold member in the opening and closing of said casting box;

there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members, when the casting box is closed; the mouth of said mold chamber being at the upper edge of said casting box, a melting pot secured to said stand and arranged above said casting box, said pot being provided with a discharge spout extending into the mouth of said mold chamber, a vertically arranged valve member slidably and rotatably supported in said pot and adapted to control the flow of molten metal from the latter into said mold chamber, a standard secured to said pot and extending above the same, a handle lever pivoted at one end to said standard, said valve member extending loosely through said lever between the ends thereof, and stop members on said valve member', said stop members being arranged adjacent to and one on each side of said lever.

12. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a supporting stand, a casting box mounted thereon and embracing a stationary mold member and a movable mold member, said stationary mold member being arranged upright on said stand, and said movable mold member being hinged to said stand and adapted to be moved toward and from said stationary mold member in the opening and closing of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members, when the casting box is closed; the mouth of said mold chamber being at the upper edge of said casting box, a melting pot secured to said stand and being arranged above the upper edge of said casting box, said pot being provided with a discharge spout extending into the mo-uth of said mold chamber, a vertically arranged valve member slidably supported in said pot and adapted to control the flow of molten metal from the latter into said mold chamber, a handle for raising and lowering said valve member, and a heat retaining casing surrounding the side walls of said pot.

13. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprisng a casting box, embracing two mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, and a clamping frame adapted to hold a matrix or mat in said mold chamber, said frame consisting of two side bars, an end bar constituting the bottom wall of the mold chamber when the casting box is closed, and an adjustable bar interposed between and arranged substantially parallel to said side bars, one of said side bars, the end bar, and said adjustable bar each being provided, along its edge immediately adjacent the boundary of the type-casting face of the mat, with a longitudinally extending inset or groove adapted to receive the bolster of the mat and thereby prevent the type characters cast around the boundary of the mat from being eliminated or distorted by the shrinkage of the stereotype metal poured into the mold chamber.

14. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box, embracing two mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame for holding a matrix or mat in said mold chamber and comprising bars, which form the side and bottom walls of the mold chamber when the casting box is closed, a slug adapted to be placed in said mold chamber immediately beyond the upper edge of the casting face of the mat and to extend from one of the side walls of the mold chamber to a point short of the opposite side wall thereof, and means for holding said slug in said mold chamber during the casting of a printing plate therein.

15. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box embracing two mold members, one being meved toward and frein the other in the opening and closing o said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame for holding a matrix or mat in said mold chamber and comprising two side bars and an inner end bar, a fiat slug adapted to be placed in said mold chamber immediately beyond the upper edge ot' the casting face of a mat and to extend from one of said side bars to a point short ot' the opposite side bar, a rod detaehably connected with said slug, and means removably holding said rod in said mold chamber.

1G. A device for casting stereotype printing plates,` comprising a casting box, einbracing two mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame for holding a matrix or mat in said mold chamber and comprising two side bars, an inner end bar, and an outer end bar, a fiat slug adapted to be placed in said mold chamber immediately beyond the upper edge ot' the casting face of a mat and to eX- tend from one of said side bars to a point short of the opposite side bar, a rod detachably connected with said slug, and a member connected with said rod and adapted to detachably engage said outer end bar for removably holding said rod in said mold chamber.

17. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box, embracing two mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of said casting box; there heilig a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame for holding a matrix or mat in said mold chamber and comprising two side bars, an inner end bar, and an outer end bar, a flat slug adapted to be placed in said mold chamber immediately beyond the upper edge of the casting face of said mat and to extend from one of said side bars to a point short of the opposite side bar. a rod detachably connected with said slug, a sleeve slidably mounted on said rod, a set screw adapted to clamp said sleeve and rod together, and a hook-shaped member connected with said sleeve and adapted to engage over said outer end bar for removably holding said rod in said mold chamber'.

18. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting ox, embracing two mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of the casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting boX is closed, a plate adapted to be placed in said mold chamber and against one of said mold members, means for detachably connecting said plate with said lnold member, core pieces, and means for securing said core pieces to said plate; the means for securing said core pieces to said plate being independent of the means for detachably scouring said plate to one of said mold members.

19. A device tor casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box, embracing two mold members, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of said casting box', there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame for holding a matrix or mat in said mold chamber, and means for partially severing the poured end of the metal immediately beyond the upper edge of the casting face of the mat during the casting operation.

20. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box having a mold chamber therein, a clamping frame adapted to hold a matrix or mat in said mold chamber, said frame embracing side bars, and an inner end bar, one of said side bars being adjustable laterally to permit the casting of printing plates of various widths, means adapted to clamp said adjustable bar in any position of its lateral adjustment, and means adapted to move said adjustable side bar endwise against said inner end bar.

21. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising an upright casting box having a mold chamber therein and with the mouth of said mold chamber being formed at the upper end of said casting box, a melting pot supported above said casting box and having a discharge spoilt extending into the mouth of said mold chamber, and a valve member mounted on said pot and adapted to control the flow of molten metal from said pot into said mold chamber.

A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box, em-

bracing two mold chambers, one being moved toward and from the other in the opening and closing of the casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a plate adapted to be placed in said mold chamber and against one of Said mold members, said plate being provided with hooks for detachable engagement with said mold member, and core pieces provided on said plate.

Q3. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box, embracing tWo mold members, one being moved toward the other in the opening and closing of said casting box; there being a mold chamber formed between said mold members when the casting box is closed, a clamping frame adapted to hold a matrix or mat in said mold chamber, said frame comprising two side bars, an inner end bar, and an adjustable bar interposed between and arranged substantially arallel to said side bars, and said adjusta le bar being provided adjacent one end with an overflow opening.

24. A device for casting stereotype printing plates, comprising a casting box, embracing tWo mold members adapted to be moved one toward the other in the opening, and closing of said casting box, and a clamp member adapted to clamp said mold members together When the casting box is Closed, said ehunp member being pivoted on one of said mold members and being provided with a part adapted to bear against said mold member, so that such pivot means will be relieved of the strains exerted on the clamp member when the latter clamps said mold members together.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention, I affix my signature in the presence of two witnesses, this 22nd day of June, A. D. 1917.

PATRICK A. 'lOOMEY.

Witnesses:

EUGENE C. WANN, CLARA L. PEoPLEs.

Copies o! this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0." 

